How to Become a School Counselor in Tulsa, Oklahoma

School counselors play a tremendous role in the schools they serve.

Most schools in Tulsa, Oklahoma provide on-site school counselors for the benefit of their students and their families. School counselors play an essential role in the lives of the students they work with. Whether they are helping a student set goals for their future, assisting in crisis issues or just being there to listen, school counselors provide an invaluable service. Becoming a school counselor takes years of hard work and dedication, but it can be an extremely rewarding career.

Things You'll Need

• Study guides
• Access to a personal computer
• Study materials as designated by the school of your choice
• Resume software

Instructions

Research the Field

1. 

   Researching the role of school counselor will help you decide if it is the right career for you.

   Becoming a school counselor can be an extremely satisfying and rewarding career, but can also be very stressful at times. Each day, many young people will look to you for guidance and assistance in making the right decisions with regard to their future. Additionally, you may come in direct contact with issues relating to child abuse, molestation or abandonment that will require you to know how to handle these situations with extreme sensitivity. Before you can embark on a career as a school counselor, you must obtain the education required to become licensed. To stay in compliance with your licensure, you must then engage in ongoing education and training throughout your career.

2. 

   Completion of your education will take several years, but will be well worth it in the long run.

   Obtain the education necessary to perform the job. The state of Oklahoma requires school counselors to hold a Master's degree in Counseling, as well as completion of a two-semester hour course in the education of the exceptional child and regency credit/experience. A good base for your education would be a Bachelor's degree in Psychology or Elementary Education. You can then apply that towards a Master's degree at the school of your choice.

3. 

   Volunteering your time can be beneficial to yourself, as well as to those you are serving.

   Gain as much experience in counseling as possible by volunteering in peer counseling, assistant teaching, working for a crisis hotline or working as a summer camp counselor. The hands-on experience will provide you with valuable insight into what you will be experiencing in your career as a school counselor.

4. 

   Be sure to complete internships and exams on time.

   Complete any required internships while earning your Master's degree. You will also need to take any required federal or Oklahoma state certification exams. Failure to do so will lead to unnecessary delays and jeopardize your future career prospects.

5. 

   Success!

   Look for a suitable job, now that you have completed the necessary educational requirements. Start by thoroughly researching the schools and school districts that you wish to work for. When applying, be sure to include any academic honors you may have obtained throughout the course of your education, as well as any letters of recommendation related to your volunteer work.

Tips & Warnings

• Never try to intervene in a violent situation. You will only put yourself and others in harm's way. Seek help instead.

• When dealing with sensitive issues relating to problems such as child abuse, reach out to the appropriate agencies for additional assistance.

References

• American School Counselor Association
• Education Portal
• Education.org

Resources

• Oklahoma School Counselor's Association